Key Concepts in European Political and Economic History

Sovereignty

Supreme authority over a territory and its people.

Absolutism

System where kings held total power over government and subjects.

Mercantilism

Economic policy where nations control trade to gain wealth and power.

Republicanism

Government based on elected leaders, not kings or hereditary rule.

Constitutionalism

System where government power is limited by law or constitution.

Cabinet government

Executive body of ministers advising the ruler and making policy.

Intendants

French officials who enforced royal orders and collected taxes in provinces.

Paulette

Annual tax French officials paid to make their offices hereditary.

Fronde

Series of French noble and popular revolts against royal power (1648-1653).

Generalités

Administrative districts in France used for tax collection.

French Academy

Institution founded to regulate French language and culture.

Versailles

Lavish palace built by Louis XIV to show power and control nobles.

Dutch States General

Assembly of representatives that governed the Dutch Republic.

Peace of Utrecht

1713 treaty ending the War of the Spanish Succession, balanced European power.

Cabal

Group of English ministers advising Charles II; symbolized early cabinet system.

Instrument of Government

England’s first written constitution made in 1653 that gave Oliver Cromwell power as leader.

English Bill of Rights

1689 law limiting monarch power and protecting Parliament's authority.

Edict of Nantes

1598 law granting French Protestants limited religious freedom.

Scottish revolt

Uprising against Charles I's attempt to impose Anglican practices.

War of the Spanish Succession

Conflict over who would inherit the Spanish throne after Charles II.

Glorious Revolution

1688 overthrow of James II, brought William and Mary to power.

English Civil War

1642-1649 war between Parliament and Charles I over power.

Navigation Acts

English laws restricting colonial trade to English ships and goods.

Ship money

Tax Charles I used without Parliament permission to fund navy, caused anger.

Joint stock company

Business where investors share profits and risks of trade.

Divine right

Belief that kings ruled by God's will and answered only to Him.

Duke of Sully

Finance minister under Henry IV, improved French economy and taxes.

Louis XIII

French king who worked with Richelieu to strengthen royal power.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister who reduced noble power and increased royal authority.

La Rochelle

French Protestant city defeated by Richelieu to strengthen the crown.

Louis XIV

"Sun King" of France, example of absolute monarchy and control.

Cardinal Mazarin

Successor to Richelieu, ruled for young Louis XIV, faced the Fronde.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Finance minister for Louis XIV, supported mercantilism and industry.

Philip III

Spanish king whose weak rule led to decline and corruption.

Olivares

Spanish minister under Philip IV, tried and failed to centralize power.

James I

English king who believed in divine right and clashed with Parliament.

Charles I

English king executed after losing the Civil War to Parliament.

Oliver Cromwell

Leader of Parliament's army, ruled England as Lord Protector.

Charles II

Restored English monarchy in 1660, secretly favored Catholicism.

James II

Last Catholic king of England, overthrown in Glorious Revolution.

Triennial Act

Law requiring Parliament to meet at least every three years.

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher who said people need strong rulers to avoid chaos.

"Protectorate"

Government of England under Cromwell's military rule.

William and Mary

Monarchs who replaced James II and accepted limits on power.

John Locke

English philosopher who said government must protect life, liberty, and property.

Dutch East India Company

Trading company controlling Asian trade for the Dutch Republic.

"Military revolution"

Change in warfare with gunpowder, larger armies, and new tactics.

Market economy

Economic system where prices are set by supply and demand.

"Great Chain of Being"

Idea that all beings have a fixed rank set by God.

"Just price"

Medieval idea that prices should be fair to both buyer and seller.

"Moral economy"

Belief that community needs and fairness matter more than profit.

William Laud

Archbishop under Charles I who pushed strict Anglican reforms.

Long Parliament

Parliament that met for many years, challenged Charles I's power.

Rump Parliament

Part of Parliament left after Cromwell expelled opponents, tried and executed Charles I.

Test Act

English law barring Catholics and non-Anglicans from public office.